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The aging process is done in two stages: oxidative yreductora. The first takes place in the wooden cask, where small amounts of oxygen penetrating the container naturally by modifying the chemical s...

Wine history in our production area

Bodegas Fernando Castro is one of the most important wineries in the Valdepeñas, not only for marketing ability, but by its history. Our winery is the oldest family winery around Castilla - La Mancha.

But let's review the history of wine in the production area of ​​Valdepeñas. The tradition of Valdepeñas is the story of their vineyards, fruit and wine, written with passion for people dedicated to growing grapes since ancient times. His winemaking tradition goes back to the time of the Iberians, proven fact after the discovery of organic materials related to the production of wine in the Iberian site of Cerro de las Cabezas (s. IV-VII c).

The city of Valdepeñas was founded during the Muslim period in 1232 by Queen Berengaria. During these years Valdepeñas became a major production area, mainly due to a special concession made by the Caliphate of Toledo, which allowed the production of wine to supply the city.

When the court of King Philip II moved to Madrid (1561) extends the reputation of quality wine Valdepeñas and since then becomes part of the history of the Villa. There consumption so popularized that excise duty on their trade allowed the king Carlos III, the great architect of the capital, meet some of the most magnas of his reign such as the Puerta de Alcalá and the Puerta de Toledo works. Already in 1790 there is talk of an annual output of 200,000 gallons of wine, but in the nineteenth century when trade is established on an ongoing basis.

In this sense, the construction of the railway in 1861 represents an important step forward. On January 29, 1895 is granted to Valdepeñas the title of city. A special train departing from Valdepeñas and destination Madrid, composed of more than 25 cars, called Tren del Vino is then established, because this was the only commodity carrying.